Jasper

Overview
Jasper is a member of the quartz family. Its name comes from Greek "jaspis", a mythical spotted stone found in the head of an adder snake. Jasper is found in many colors and often named for its pattern, e.g. leopard skin jasper. It is one of the oldest known gemstones. Jasper is believed to be a great protective stone, and sometimes called the supreme nurturer.

About the Stone

Jasper sits at a 6.5 - 7 on the Mohs scale. It is a member of the quartz family, one of the largest families of stones in the world.

Jasper is found in many colors and patterns, thus resulting in many names for the different varieties, normally named for their pattern. Some color options for Jasper are grayish blue, green, off-white, white, yellow, orange, red, pink, black, opaque, and brown. Jasper very rarely has a uniform color, as it often has other materials mixed in with it. There are over 50 varieties of jasper, often with a blotch like, or vein like pattern.

Jasper is one of the oldest known gemstones, and was very popular in ancient times. It has been written about in Greek, Hebrew, Assyrian, Persian and Latin prints, as well as the Bible.

Jasper is found in many locations including Canada, USA, Africa, Australia, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Russia, Sicily, and Venezuela.

Jasper Types

Apple Jasper Biggs Jasper Brecciated Jasper Brown Zebra Jasper Bruneau Jasper Burrow Jasper Creek Jasper Chinese Leopard Jasper Cripple Creek Dalmation Jasper Deschutes Jasper Elephant Jasper Fancy Jasper Flower Jasper Green Jasper Green Zebra Jasper Imperial Jasper Ivory Jasper Kambara Jasper King Jasper Lavender Jasper Leopardskin Jasper

Mookaite Morrisonite Jasper Orbicular Jasper Ocean Jasper Opalite Jasper Owyhee Jasper Picture Jasper Poppy Jasper Rainbow Jasper Rain Forest Jasper Red Jasper Red Silver Leaf Jasper Red Wood Jasper Ribbon Jasper Royal Plume Jasper Stone Canyon Jasper Willow Creek Jasper Wooden Jasper Yellow Jasper Yellow-Green Jasper Zebra Jasper

Metaphysical Properties

Jasper is said to be a stability gemstone that protects you against things are bad for you. It eases emotional stress, gives courage, and promotes independence. Jasper is said to balance the vibrations of the body, and has been used for the treatment of gall bladder and kidney problems. Greek warriors carried jasper into battle with them for courage. Jasper helps with negativity, nurtures energies, gives strength, and insight.

Jasper in Jewelry

Jasper is very common and as such relatively inexpensive. There are some incredibly beautiful varieties, the most commonly known being landscape jasper. You can do many things with jasper and find it in a wide variety of sizes and styles.